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How to Clean the Laser on a Playstation 2

Sony's Playstation 2 gaming console has sold over 100 million units worldwide and has the biggest library of games available on any home gaming console. However, Playstation 2 also has had technical issues. The "disc read error," or "DRE," is a common issue among new and older generation Playstation 2 consoles. This error can render games unplayable and make your Playstation 2 worthless. You can prevent this from occurring by periodically cleaning the laser on your Playstation 2.

Things You'll Need

Lens-cleaning disk
Rubbing alcohol
Cotton swabs

Instructions

Older PS2
- 1
  Check the lens-cleaning disk. It is important that it is free from dirt or debris. If its dirty, the disk can damage the laser lens on the Playstation 2.
- 2
  Press the Playstation 2 open button. Insert the lens-cleaning disk in the tray and close.
- 3
  Wait roughly 10 seconds for the disk to read. The brushes on the lens disk will clean the laser.
New Slim PS2
- 4
  Unhook the PS2 from the outlet and the TV. If the power cord has a connection to the outlet, damage can occur.
- 5
  Dip a cotton swab into an alcohol bottle. Open the lid of the PS2 with the button.
- 6
  Use the cotton swab to rub the lens. Gently brush the laser lens with the cotton swab, covering the entire area.
- 7
  Wait about an hour for the laser to dry.

PlayStation 2